The First Masi Bari (Aunt’s House) of Lord Jagannath of Medinipur Town and the Associated Fair (Nandi Bari-Medinipur Town)
The Lost Heritage of Nandi Bari
Influenced by the divine love of Krishna preached by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the then lineage of Nandi Bari established the sacred deities of Shri Shri Radha Madhav and Shri Shri Radharani. After the installation of the idols, the family devoted their heart and soul to the service of the holy lotus feet of Lord Madhav.
Though the entire year was filled with numerous festivals and celebrations, there remained a divine yearning. The Lord desired to tour the town and grant His devotees the joy of His personal darshan. According to His divine will, a multi-tiered wooden chariot was constructed.
The grand Rath was magnificently decorated with seven large ceremonial kalash (sacred pots), silver chariot wheels, royal umbrellas, and many other ornaments. It is believed that when the Lord ascended the chariot, He Himself guided its movement according to His wise. When He wished, the chariot would move; when He did not, it would stand still. No one had the power to move it even an inch against His will.When devotees offered *Hari Loot* (distribution of sacred offerings) and performed kirtan to please the Lord, the chariot would begin to move again on its own. At such moments, it would become so light that even a small child could pull it. In this miraculous manner, the Lord would circumambulate the entire town.
Such was the divine Rath, dearly beloved to the family deity (Kuladevata) Shri Shri Radha Madhav of Nandi Bari.
For nearly twelve years, Nandi Bari served as the *Masi Bari* (aunt’s house) or *Gundicha Temple* of Lord Jagannath of Medinipur, associated with the sacred traditions of Jagannath worship. At present, this historic site is located near the Mini Market area. The grand fair (Mela) used to be held at Nandi Maath, stretching from what is now New Market to Mini Market.
Many may know this history, while others may not. This is merely a humble effort to share the glorious yet lesser-known heritage of this house and its sacred chariot.
|| Hari Om ||
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